Game Resources
Integrating Video Games into the
Classroom: Where to Begin?
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
The University of Memphis
2
Theory
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
3
Integrated Taxonomies
Comparison of Bates’ Game Taxonomy to supported learning outcomes from Gagne’s
Capabilities and Bloom’s Taxonomy
Bates’
Taxonomy
of Games
Action
Role
Playing
Adventure
Strategy
Simulations
Sports
Fighting
Games
Casual
God Games
Explanation of Genre
Gagne’s Capabilities
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Best supported for
particular genre
Best supported for
particular genre
Keep the player moving and involved at all
times. Primary skills are eye/hand coordination
and quick reflexes. Deep thinking is generally
not required. Examples: Dark Age of Camelot,
Jedi Knight
Revolves around characters, story and combat
and takes place in large, expansive worlds and
played out over hundreds of hours.
Examples: Baldur’s Gate, Diablo, Icewind Dale
Defined Concepts
Concrete Concepts
Discriminations
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
Problem Solving
Higher Order Rules
Defined Concepts
Concrete Concepts
Discriminations
Story based on exploration and puzzle solving
where the player is the hero.
Examples: CSI, Law & Order, Myst
Problem Solving
Higher Order Rules
Defined Concepts
Concrete Concepts
Discriminations
Effective strategy games are balanced. Just
enough information is provided for motivation
and interest. Too much information, the player
doesn’t make effective decisions; too little
information the player spends time worrying
about what to exclude.
Examples: Rise of Nations, Civilization
The purest form of wish fulfillment; fulfill the
player’s fantasy of what he can’t do in real life.
Examples: The Sims, Cruise Ship Tycoon, Flight
Simulator
Problem Solving
Higher Order Rules
Defined Concepts
Concrete Concepts
Discriminations
Evaluation
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
Evaluation
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
Evaluation
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
Problem Solving
Higher Order Rules
Defined Concepts
Concrete Concepts
Discriminations
Allows players to play their favorite sports
Defined Concepts
activity to their heart’s content.
Concrete Concepts
Examples: Tiger Woods PGA Tour, NHL 2004
Discriminations
Allows players to taunt their rival who is playing
Defined Concepts
beside them. Special moves and signature
Concrete Concepts
moves are a must.
Discriminations
Examples: Quake II & III, Star Wars
Games for the “new gamers” – easy to learn and Defined Concepts
not difficult to master.
Concrete Concepts
Examples: Who Wants to be a Millionaire?,
Discriminations
Monopoly
God Games have no preset win conditions.
Problem Solving
Players are given a variety of tools to work with
Higher Order Rules
and the player chooses their own path.
Defined Concepts
Examples: Civilization, Sim City
Concrete Concepts
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
Evaluation
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
Evaluation
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
4
Discriminations
Education
Games
Puzzle
Games
Online
The goal is to teach a specific body of
knowledge. Clear goals are set.
Examples: Oregon Trail, You Don’t Know Jack!,
Emergency Room 2
Puzzles presented on their own without story or
content action.
Examples: Family Feud, Wheel of Fortune
Games from any genre can be modified
appropriately to play over the Internet
individually or with other online gamers.
Examples: Pool & Poker, to Commandos 3:
Destination Berlin, Age of Wonders, Ultima
Online, EverQuest
Defined Concepts
Concrete Concepts
Discriminations
Comprehension
Knowledge
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
Concrete Concepts
Discriminations
Comprehension
Knowledge
Depending on the type
of game:
Problem Solving
Higher Order Rules
Defined Concepts
Concrete Concepts
Discriminations
Depending on the type
of game:
Evaluation
Synthesis
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
References:
Bates, B., & LaMothe, A. (2001). Game Design: The Art & Business of Creating Games.
Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing.
Bloom, B.,ed. (1984). Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, Handbook 1: Cognitive
Domain. New York: Addison Wesley Publishing Company.
Gagne, R.M., Briggs, L.J. Briggs & Wager,W.W. (1992). Principles of Instructional Design.
th
4 ed. New York: Harcourt Brace.
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
5
Design
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
6
Analyzing & Designing:
Instructional Design Guide
Analyzing the games, learners, and environment prior to incorporating a game into the
design of your instruction is critical. Use the following as a guide.
Your Learners
1. Are they game?
a. Do your learners play games? Are they gamers, novices, or new players?
b. Individual Differences: Will the chosen game consider individual differences?
c. Will your learners have access to computers? Have their hardware requirements been
considered? Will you have computer access to play the game during instructional time?
Yourself
1. Are you Game?
a. Do you play games? Are you interested in playing games? If not, then this approach
may not be the one you want to take.
b. Game approach: Linear vs. Non-Linear games, Speed of Play
Will your learners all have the same sequence of events happen to them while playing or
can they make individual choices and face individual challenges? Will the speed of play
effect the overall outcome of the game? How will you consider these factors?
c. Have you played the game THOROUGHLY to determine where any potential
problems may arise, or to identify what game components can be implemented into your
instruction?
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
7
Your Environment
a. Your computer/student computers: Will the computer hardware support the game
being played?
b. School computers: Will the computers in the learning environment support the game
being played? Who will install the game in the learning environment?
c. Access to computers: What are the time constraints on the computers in the learning
environment? Will students be able to save games on the computers in the learning
environment?
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
8
Gaming Experience
Prior to implementing any game into your instruction, it is important to consider the following to
determine the game’s effectiveness for your learning environment.
Interface of Game
a. Quality (graphics, music, sound, animation)
b. Efficacy (ease of use, access to features, “flow”)
c. Game Management (inventory, save game)
Gameplay/Entertainment
a. Puzzles (type, difficulty, relation to story, plot, and/or goal)
b. Solution Strategies (promoted by game overall, relation to problem solving)
c. Navigation (how and why does it work or not work)
d. Flow (how and why it does or does not promote flow)
Learner Characteristics
a. Protagonist/learner representation (gender, age, ethnic/cultural group)
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
9
b. Intended Audience
Instructional/Learning Factors
a. Type/level of learning supported by game (Bloom’s or Gagne's taxonomy)
b. Type/level of learning supported by puzzles and challenges (Bloom’s or Gagne’s
taxonomy)
c. How it could be used for instruction (suitable topics/themes, amount of adaptation
would be needed)
d. Is the game best suited for group play or individual play?
e. How will learner support be considered if needed? (Technology and game support)
Length of time to play
Is game play linear or learner-controlled?
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
10
Application
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
11
Game Descriptions: Matching
Games to Curriculum Map
Game
Incredible
Machine
Pirate Raider
Dark Age of
Camelot
Where in
Time is
Carmen San
Diego?
Bioscopia
Subject
Areas/Standards
Objectives
Physical Science
• Motion & Forces
• Energy Transfer
• Technical Design
History, Politics,
Economics of the World
• First Global Age, 14501770
Language Arts
• Creative writing
• Historical drama
History
• British Isles
• Geography
Mythology
• Arthurian Legends
Language Arts
• Creative Writing
• Compare & Contrast
History & Culture
• Egyptian history and
Mythology
English/
Communication
• Adjust use of spoken,
written, and visual
Activities
1. Identify objects as having kinetic or potential energy
2. Identify where energy is transferred
3. Describe energy
§ Difference between kinetic and potential
§ Different forms of energy
§ How energy is conserved within a closed system
1. Describe pirates’ century of existence, homeland, code of
conduct, purpose, and life on and off the sea
2. Identify 5 types of pirate ships and describe advantages and
disadvantages of each
1. Build contraptions to specifications/
requirements for energy type and transfer
2. Annotate and describe types of energy and
energy transfer points in pre-designed
contraptions
1. Compare & contrast mythology events to history
2. Identify historical evidence for and against the legends
3. Identify & collect scholarly research for and against legends
4. Identify & describe accuracies and inaccuracies in game
5. Identify geographical locations for events in game & legends
1. Assume persona and behave according to
cultural expectations and code of conduct in
game
2. Maintain diary of events, annotated for
connection to real world evidence and
scholarship
3. Write an analysis of evidence for and against
legends
1. Create ACME Crime Log to document
progress and knowledge gained tracking Carmen
in Ancient Egypt
2. Translate names into hieroglyphics
3. Write a letter to a friend in hieroglyphics
1. Describe who Queen Hatshepsut was
2. Describe the significance of the color black to the ancient
Egyptians
3. Identify three ancient Egyptian gods
4. Identify the first step of the mummification process
5. Identify the significance of the Egyptian Book of the Dead
6. Identify what a “Sarcophagus” does
7. Identify at least 5 facts about pyramids
8. Identify at least 5 facts about the Sphinx
9. Identify which of Queen Hatshepsut’s temples still survives
10. Identify what’s in the Royal Canopic Jars
11. Identify why the head priest wore a mask
12. Use hieroglyphics
1. TLW solve problems in a game using a variety of appropriate
strategies.
2. TLW write reflective journal entries in response to
experiences with game play.
1. TLW map the game setting of Bioscopia, including a map key
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
1. Create a diary/ships log of life as a pirate
2. Create a shipbuilders catalog of 5 ships,
including images, annotations, names,
advantages, and disadvantages
1. Debrief game play/solving strategies.
2. Write weekly reflective responses to game
play,
3. Compile journal entries to turn in when the
game is finished.
12
language to
communicate effectively
Research
• Use variety of
technological and
information resources
to gather and
synthesize information
Problem Solving
• Students will apply and
adapt a variety of
appropriate strategies
to solve problems
Science
Life Science:
• Develop understanding
of the cell, molecular
basis of, heredity,
biological evolution,
interdependence of
organisms, matter,
energy, and
organization in living
systems, and behavior
of organisms
Science As Inquiry:
• Develop abilities
necessary to do
scientific inquiry
World In Spatial Terms
• Understand how to use
maps and other
geographic
representations, tools,
and technologies to
acquire, process, and
report information
• Understand how to use
mental maps to
organize information
about people, places,
and environments
• Understand how to
and scale.
2. TLW examine scientific experiments for the key elements to
create an outcome.
3. TLW research and recreate scientific experiments and the
key elements of the experiments.
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
4. Sketch maps of game
5. Configure the map scale and develop a map
key.
6. Use Draw program to draw out the game
setting based on their sketches.
7. Write elements of the experiments in game,
research and document experiment and content
using other resources
13
analyze the spatial
organization of people,
places, and
environments on
Earth's surface
Cruise Ship
Tycoon
Economics
Role of Price in Market
System
• Price signals and
provides incentives
• Predict how prices
change when numbers
of buyers and sellers
change
• Role of prices as
signals and incentives
in anticipating market
opportunities
Marginal Cost/Benefit
• Effective decisions
require comparison of
additional costs of
alternatives with
additional benefits
• Make effective
decisions
Trade
Empires
Economics
• Effective decision
making
• Markets and market
pricing
• Supply and demand
Nancy
Drew:
Message in
a Haunted
Mansion
Architecture
• Victorian architecture
American History
• Victorian era
• 20th century California
history
1. Identify key concepts of supply and demand, profit and loss,
goods and services
2. Explain supply and demand, profit and loss, goods and
services, marginal benefit, marginal cost
3. Identify policy and process regarding the use of a physical
resource
4. Apply economic concepts such as profit and loss in order to
operate a cruise ship
5. Compare strategies for operating cruise ships
1. Purchase, build, and operate simulated cruise
ship
2. Identify processes and operations related to
key economic concepts
3. Document decisions and support with existing
theory
4. Generate financial end of year report for a
ship, including rationale for decisions,
explanations of results, future plan, and
connection to key economic theory and concepts
1. Identify, define, and apply 9 basic concepts of a market
economy
2. Describe and relate effective decision making in a market
economy to marginal cost and marginal benefit
3. Identify and describe market forces
4. Apply market forces and key economic principles to a
simulated economy
1. Build a market economy by applying key
economic concepts and principles to the game
Trade Empires
2. Document in daily market report the decisions
made and results
3. Identify areas of inaccuracy in game market
economy, if any
4. Generate year-end financial report
1. Maintain notes on architecture and period
items of house in game
2. Verify authenticity of the above using research
3. Generate report on period and non-period
architecture and items in house, backed by
research citations and screenshot images
1. Identify major architectural components of Victorian
architecture
2. Identify period art and artifacts
3. Identify authentic Victorian interior design
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
14
Game Resources
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
15
Game Assistance
Because you need to know the game you have selected inside and out, you should take
advantage of all the help you can get. So who or where do you go for help? These resources
will assist you and your students in enjoying your gaming experience.
Walkthroughs
Walkthroughs are guides that other gamers have placed on the Internet. These individuals have
played the game and created Game Walkthroughs to assist other gamers. They can usually be
found by doing a simple search on any search engine such as Google. Type in at least one or
two of the main words in the title of the game (watch for typos!) plus the words “walkthrough”
and “cheat” and you should be on your way. Here are a few sites that have lots of reviews,
FAQs, cheats, and walkthroughs to get you started:
www.gamefaqs.com
www.gamerevolution.com
www.happypuppy.com
www.gameboomers.com
Tip: Most games have more than 1 walkthrough posted on the Internet. Review a few before
selecting. Some walkthroughs are better than others.
Hint Books
Hint Books can also be purchased in order to complete a game. These range in cost and can
usually be found at the same place you purchased your game. These books contain more
explicit steps in finishing the game. We recommend you try the walkthroughs first for all but the
most complex and involved games, as these are usually enough.
Game Web Site
Once you have selected a game to play, always visit the game website. Here you will find lots of
interesting and important information about your game. Most importantly, any patches (fixes) or
downloads needed to successfully play the game will be found here. You will also find a list of
frequently asked questions (FAQs) and information that will assist in your overall gaming
experience.
Tip: Best advice, after you install the game on your computer; visit the game website to
determine if you need to download any patches or updates for the game to work properly.
Network of Friends and Family
No, it’s not a long distance commercial. Don’t overlook the most important resource to you; the
people who play these games regularly. Gaming websites that offer specific game help are
available online where you can chat with experienced gamers, but there is a good chance you
know someone closer to home. When in doubt, contact CNN: children, nieces, and nephews!
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
16
Video Game Guide
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is based on the hit CBS television show and features the
likenesses and voices of the CSI cast. The script was written by Max Allen Collins, author
of three CSI novels. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is a first-person adventure where
players question witnesses, explore crime scenes, evaluate pieces of evidence, and
work with fellow CSI agents Catherine Willows and Gil Grissom. The game was
developed under consultation with Senior Crime Scene Analyst Daniel Holstein,
a 20-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metro Police Force.
"In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally
important groups -- the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who
prosecute the offenders."
As stated in the opening of each episode of the long-running Law & Order television
series,there are two important sides to the investigation of any crime. Legacy
Interactive, known for creating games based on real-life drama such as 911
Paramedic and Emergency Room: Code Red, strives to bring this intriguing
balance of investigation and prosecution to PC gamers with the release of
Law & Order: Dead on the Money. Fans of the TV series will recognize
game characters such as Detective Lennie Brisco, Assistant D.A. Serena
Southerlyn, and Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, all modeled after the actors who
play them on the show. They are investigating the murder of a jogger. The victim
appears to have been strangled by a gold chain -- but who would wear a
24Kgold necklace for an early-morning jog through Central Park? Players will
search for clues, interview witnesses and suspects, and build a case, then fight
for justice in a court of law. As in the enduring television drama, don't be surprised
if some hidden piece of evidence surfaces to lead the whole case to an unexpected
conclusion. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
17
This fourth evolution in the granddaddy of Sim series offers state-of art presentational
updates as well innovative features and fresh aspects of play. Though revisiting the
series' basic challenge to design, establish, and nurture a balanced, living community
of virtual citizens, SimCity 4 players are able to mold their microcosms as never before.
New landscape creation tools allow players to build mountains and valleys, rivers, and
forests, so they can create an ideal environment even before the first street is laid down.
The SimCity is now part of a larger community, along with other cities in the region,
and once neighboring cities are connected by transportation networks they can trade
(or compete) for important resources. SimCity 4 also borrows a few ideas back from
it's all-time best-selling progeny, The Sims, allowing players to follow the personal life
of one of their SimCity citizens. Enhancing and augmenting mainstay SimCity features
while adding new perspectives and possibilities, SimCity 4 is designed to appeal to
players new to city management as well as to veterans of the classic series. ~ T.J. Deci,
All Game Guide
Penned by graphic novelist Benoit Sokal, Syberia -- a third-person point and
click adventure -- tells the tale of Kate Walker, an attorney sent to Europe to
finalize the buyout of an old toy factory. Upon arriving in the French village of
Valadilene, she bears witness to the funeral procession of none other than
Anna Voralberg, the owner of the toy company. Leaving her with but one option:
to track down the only surviving heir, Hans Voralberg, in order to complete the deal
and return to New York. Throughout the adventure, players will need to utilize acquired
objects and knowledge gleaned from conversations with NP Cs to solve the many
puzzles that hinder their progress. Typical of the genre, these include so-called
'fetch-quests,' and more. Interaction with the environment is accomplished
through the use of a context-sensitive mouse cursor, facilitating movement and
closer inspection of vital items, among other actions. As Kate's journey spans four
decrepit locales, from Barrockstadt to Aralbad, she'll encounter a diverse selection
of humans and automatons, whose lives have all been touched in some way by
the reclusive Hans Voralberg. When conversing with these characters, the player
is able to select from various conversation topics in the hopes of obtaining
important information, or simply to learn about the life of Hans Voralberg. In addition to
communicating with the various non-playable characters she meets, Kate will also interact,
via cellphone, with her boss, mother, best friend and boyfriend from back home, all of
whom help provide insight into Kate's character and personality. During her quest,
Kate will also learn about herself and the life she leads... ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
18
Rome has fallen and the world is up for grabs! Experience real-time evolution as
you build your civilization into a flourishing empire, from the Dark Age to the Imperial
Age. Decide whether to conquer the world through military might, commerce and
diplomacy, or intrigue and regicide. There are many paths to power but only one will
reign supreme! New Heroes to discover and new worlds to conquer! The Conquerors
Expansion adds 5 new civilizations, 4 new campaigns, 11 new units, 26 new
technologies, real world maps, and much more. Experience the adventure of the
Spanish Conquistadors as they enter the exotic lands of the Aztecs, or relive the
destructive force of Attila's pillaging Huns.
Civilization III: Conquests takes Sid Meier's award-winning strategy title and offers a
more intimate look at specific regions and conflicts throughout 6,000 years of history.
Scenarios are designed to be completed within hours instead of days or weeks, with a
greater emphasis on cultures clashing with one another instead of peacefully coexisting.
Eight new civilizations have been added to the lineup, including the Sumerians, Mayans,
Phoenicians, and more. New resources to manage include stone, tobacco, jade, maize,
and even exotic birds. Each civilization also features distinct units with the potential
to perform stealth attacks, enslave people, or to use other abilities. Locked alliances
allow for more conflict within the different regions, and the addition of volcanoes could
spell the end for a civilization if war does not. Both multiplayer and editing functions
have been enhanced, to the point where players can alter advances, units, civilizations,
wonders, and maps. Other additions to the series include satellite technology, maps
that show the impact of war (such as craters), five new wonders to build, and two
new civilization types: seafaring and agricultural. As a special bonus, all of the features
introduced in the first expansion pack, Civilization III: Play the World,
have been included in Conquests. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide
Cruise Ship Tycoon gives players the chance to run a cruise line and compete against
rival cruise companies. Over 70 characters, eight different ports, four cruise ships,
three gameplay modes (missions, career, and "free play"), and plenty of material to
unlock is available. Players will arrange family weekend cruises, gambling trips, and
think up other ways to entice customers into taking a cruise. ~ All Game Guide
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
19
Building on the foundation laid by Chris Sawyer's original RollerCoaster Tycoon
and its expansion packs, Loopy Landscapes and Corkscrew Follies, RollerCoaster
Tycoon 2 offers more of everything fans of the series have come to love. The basic
premise remains the same: players are challenged to create a thriving theme park
that houses roller coasters of their own design. Scenarios are provided that test the
player's management and creative abilities, and task would-be moguls with attaining
specific milestones such as a certain amount of money made from ticket sales,
repayment of a hefty bank loan, and other such objectives pertaining to the success
of the park. Unlike previous iterations, the 26 in-game scenarios can now be tackled
in any order the player desires. As before, players are given full control over the
creation of their gravity-defying rides, allowing for whatever inclines, steep lifts,
corkscrews, and drops that paying customers can handle. Of course, rides must
strike a balance between fun and technical achievement or patrons won't ride on
them, hurting the bottom line. Additions in this sequel include new roller coaster
and ride variants such as the Giga Coaster and Spinning Wild Mouse, along with
new scenery, animations, and attractions like ATM machines. The scenery is tied
into the themed nature of the parks, and ranges from Old West to medieval motifs.
Fans of real-life coasters will be pleased that they'll have access to actual Six Flags
roller coasters, taken from five different Six Flags parks such as Magic Mountain and
Six Flags Great Adventure. They can even make adjustments to the actual Six Flags
parks themselves, customizing them to their liking. A scenario and roller coaster
editor are included, the latter allowing players to construct their dream roller coaster
away from the demands and constraints of the scenario-based missions. The
scenario editor, on the other hand, provides players with the ability to create
custom, stand-alone missions with user-defined scenery, landscape, shops, rides,
winning conditions, and other variables. ~ Gavin Frankle, All Game Guide
Return of The Incredible Machine allows players to use unique, sometimes humorous
mechanical components to construct fantastic machines that accomplish unusual tasks.
Each puzzle contains a partially built machine and the extra pieces needed to complete
it and accomplish the goal. The player's job is to use the pieces in the correct way to
complete the machine. As players become more familiar with the various machine parts
and their functions, the puzzles become more sophisticated and challenging. This
third installment of the Incredible Machine series from Sierra features improved
graphics and new puzzles to challenge virtual engineers of all ages. ~ All Game Guide
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
20
Imaginext Pirate Raider gives players an opportunity to sail the high seas in search
of treasonous pirate vessels. Users will construct their own ships, choosing crew and
battle gear, then sail the seas. Challenges include enemy forts, pirates, sea monsters,
thunderstorms, and whirlpools. Players can earn treasure by completing missions,
preparing their ship for the final challenge: finding the immensely powerful, and
abandoned, ship of the Pirate King. ~ All Game Guide
Online gamers enter a realm of familiar fantasy adventure in Mythic Entertainment's
Dark Age of Camelot, in which they are invited to assume the roles of heroes and villains
in the style of classic Arthurian legends. As in the critically acclaimed Asheron's Call and
the enduringly popular EverQuest, players design worthy characters to represent them as
they enter a virtual 3D world ruled by swords and sorcery and populated by the avatars of
hundreds of other gamers from around the world. In addition to knights and knaves of
King Arthur's Albion, players can also choose to become powerful Celt mystics of Hibernia
or ruthless Viking warriors of Midgard. Each of these three realms offers a distinct flavor
to its characters' history and motivations. Though a variety of class and skill combinations
are available to characters from each of these three realms, the hero's homeland is an
integral part of gameplay that will influence development throughout the course
of the game.
Travel through 18 historic adventures to catch Carmen and her time-traveling
tricksters before they plunder another precious relic from the past. Your journey begins
in the tombs of Ancient Egypt and ends over 3,000 years later with the launching of the
first person into space. Explore ancient civilizations, historic events, and scientific
progress— collaborate with artists, writers and composers. Learn about historic events,
personalities, and achievements where you'll meet over 50 fascinating figures - from
Christopher Columbus and Leonardo da Vinci to Queen Elizabeth and Thomas Jefferson.
Explore countless cultures, hunt for clues, and solve intriguing puzzles as you try to foil
Carmen's plans to upset history! As an agent of the ACME Detective Agency, it's up to
you to preserve the world's historic inheritance. Solve creative puzzles that bring history
to life! Consult the ACME chronopedia approved by Encyclopedia Britannica®.
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
21
Bioscopia is an educational program from the makers of Physicus and Chemicus.
A young research assistant enters a world where robots pump poisonous gasses
into the laboratory and a series of puzzles must be solved before time expires.
Knowledge of biology is essential, and players will learn and be tested on human
biology, cell biology, genetics, botany, and zoology. ~ All Game Guide
Trade Empires is a strategy game that challenges the player to build and maintain a
mercantile domain across dynamic world conditions that span the course of human
history. By developing efficient and profitable trade routes and leveraging advantages
to dominate any competition, the player gains wealth and power that allows further
development and new advances. The game is broken into 15 episodes. As the world's
civilization evolves, new technologies call for new goods and allow new means of
distribution. Players must change with the times to exploit new markets, lest they
end up a forgotten footnote in the pages of history. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
Once again, Her Interactive invites players to step into the shoes of the famed teen
sleuth in Nancy Drew: Message in a Haunted Mansion. This time Nancy Drew heads
off to San Francisco to help with the restoration of an old mansion that the owner,
Rose Green, plans on turning into a bed breakfast. Upon arriving at the mansion she
meets the amiable Charlie Murphy, a college student who is working on the mansion
to help pay his tuition. Other characters Nancy encounters include the Victorian expert
Louis and Abby, a woman with an interest in communicating with spirits. Though
Nancy is visiting Rose in order to help with the restoration of the mansion, she can't
help but become more interested in all of the suspicious accidents that have occurred
recently. Are they really just accidents? Is someone attempting to sabotage the restoration?
Could the mansion actually be haunted? Explore each room, question all of the
characters, and draw your own conclusions in your attempt to determine whether
these "accidents" are indeed accidents. Previous Nancy Drew games from Her
Interactive have won awards for their design and execution. Nancy Drew: Message
in a Haunted Mansion is the recipient of a Parent's Choice Gold award, as
determined by the Parent's Choice Foundation. ~ T.J. Deci, All Game Guide
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004
22
Chemicus: Journey to the Other Side is a Myst-styled adventure set in an
alternate reality that features more than 2000 3D images, animation and movies.
Accidentally thrust into this mysterious world of sacred power and scientific knowledge,
players must solve riddles, apply chemistry-related formulas, and unlock secrets to
forge their escape. Chemicus continues the series of learning adventures from
Denmark -based Klett-Verlag Publishing that feature educational disciplines such as
math, physics, history, and biology. With step-through screens reminiscent of Myst
and Riven, explorers visit a variety of locales including a Secret Lab, The Lost City,
and the Tower of Knowledge. Puzzles require multiple trips to places like the Temple
of Hydra, a central control room housing a transporter terminal, an observatory,
photo lab, organic chemistry lab, steelworks, volcano, doctor's office, analysis lab,
disposal hall, and balloon dome among others. Complex puzzles feature test tubes,
pipettes, flasks containing aromatic potions (e.g., pear, banana) and scales, while
inventory and experimental items include things like pot ash, acetic acid, rose oil,
quicklime, turquoise glass beads, methanol and much more. ~ Michael L. House,
All Game Guide
All reviews were retrieved on January 15, 2004 from
http://advanced.search.shopping.yahoo.com/s;PC%20Games;t=browse
For more information on other game titles, please visit this website.
Game Descriptions: Matching
Games to Curriculum Map
Joanne Gikas & Richard Van Eck, Ph.D.
Integrating Video Games Into the Classroom: Where to Begin?
The University of Memphis © 2004